Doctor warns Utahns to be aware of air pollutant levels

Dec 20, 2023, 11:00 AM | Updated: May 30, 2024, 9:27 am

Air pollution...

Hazy air is seen in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. At the time, the air quality index for PM2.5 was 69, or moderate, according to AirNow.gov. (Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)

(Spenser Heaps, Deseret News)

SALT LAKE CITY — Most of the Wasatch Front is enjoying much cleaner air this morning, thanks to small rain storms moving through the state. However, the inversion will return throughout the winter.

Pulmonary and critical care physician at Intermountain Health, Doctor Denitza Blagev, told KSL NewsRadio that air pollution affects us more than we often realize.

“Even if we don’t have any immediate symptoms, breathing in that air pollution can have health consequences,” she said. 

Blagev says those tiny little pollutant particles can get into the lungs and the bloodstream and can cause anything from inflammation to heart attacks and stroke.

“But the really dangerous particles are the tiny, tiny, ones you don’t see that not only get into the lungs but get into the bloodstream,” Blagev said. 

Furthermore, she says certain populations should be even more careful, like school-aged kids playing at recess. And individuals with heart and lung problems.

“Especially kids with asthma that may be more vulnerable,” Blagev explained. 

Even if you aren’t noticing the immediate effects of the pollution, like irritation and shortness of breath, breathing in the air can still have long-lasting health consequences.

Air pollution levels are ever-changing, therefore looking up air quality based on time of the day and location is helpful to determine if you should stay indoors. 

More on air quality in Utah 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Kaysville City officials confirmed that the Weber Basin Water Conservancy District had added water ...

Simone Seikaly

Kaysville City tells residents why water smells like chlorine

Weber officials recently added water from groundwater wells, which, because of extra processing, created the chlorine smell.

7 hours ago

The Utah Board of Higher Education announced Elizabeth “Betsy” R. Cantwell as Utah State Univer...

Carlysle Price

USU President announces departure, becomes first woman president at Washington State University

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah State University President Elizabeth R. Cantwell has announced her departure from USU and has accepted a position out of state. The Utah Board of Higher Education released a statement Thursday announcing Cantwell’s departure, and said she has accepted a position as president of Washington State University. Cantwell is set to […]

7 hours ago

Jail overcrowding is addressed by one of the bills before lawmakers on Utah’s Capitol Hill right ...

Don Brinkerhoff

Legislation would prevent some jail releases due to overcrowding

A new bill would prevent some inmates from being released, without first seeing a judge, due to jail overcrowding.

7 hours ago

A fatal crash on I-15 near Point of the Mountain closed multiple northbound lanes of traffic Thursd...

Logan Stefanich, KSL.com

1 dead, multiple I-15 lanes closed near Point of the Mountain after crash

The Point of the Mountain crash occurred near milepost 286 (16200 South) at 11:56 a.m., according to the Utah Department of Transportation.

9 hours ago

State Capitol...

Adam Small

New bill regarding specialty license plates could cost Utah Historical Society millions in future revenue

The Utah Historical Society could potentially miss out on millions of dollars under a bill focusing on specialty license plates.

10 hours ago

FILE: A United States District Court emblem is seen in a courtroom in the Salt Lake City Federal Co...

Simone Seikaly

Former gymnastics coach pleads guilty to new charges involving cameras, bathrooms

Gymnastics coach Adam Richard Jacobs has plead guilty to putting a camera in a minor's hotel room and bathroom.

11 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Doctor warns Utahns to be aware of air pollutant levels